Pastor Peter Henry
I am convinced that a significant part of GPMC’s ministry in this time and place is to be a non-anxious presence in the midst of change. “Confident in God and trusting in Christ’s presence.” That is how I often answer people when they ask about how we are doing at Grosse Pointe Memorial Church.
From changing neighborhoods to a country uneasy with itself, there is much that worries Americans. Yet it is the case that as Christians who trust in God’s mercy, we need not be anxious about our futures- as individuals or as a community of faith. I am convinced that a significant part of GPMC’s ministry in this time and place is to be a non-anxious presence in the midst of change.
We have seen lots of change at GPMC over our nearly 150 years. Throughout, we have been a light by the lakeshore and a witness to God’s steadfast love.
There is no doubt that those of us who worship at GPMC are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, as the writer of the letter to the Hebrews declares. The thousands of saints who went before us at GPMC left us with a rich heritage of service and a beautiful space in which to worship.
Yet our forebearers did not leave us this legacy as a keepsake to treasure for our own benefit. The faith of past and present GPMC members has always been an active and living one, calling us to engage with the world around us. It is with this in mind that our Session recently adopted a new mission and vision statement for GPMC.
Sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ’s own forever,
Grosse Pointe Memorial Church is created by God
to worship the Lord and serve his people.
Sharing God’s love and caring for God’s people,
we call disciples of all ages to put faith into action by
worshiping God joyfully, welcoming others graciously,
supporting one another lovingly and serving all faithfully.
I give thanks for the band of believers at GPMC who make this mission and vision a reality at GPMC and at home.
